He took in the excited glimmer in Avery’s eye. He couldn’t say no to her. As his stomach flip-flopped, he sank into the seat next to her. It didn’t get better as the ride started up. He thought he was going to get sick when the wheel stopped with them perched at the very top. But all his nerves flew away as she softly, slowly kissed him. Maybe this would be his favorite ride after all.
When they finished riding, they played a few games. They watched the jugglers and a small renaissance troupe perform. As the sun sank in the horizon, they made their way back through the crowd toward Avery’s house.
They passed the magician at the exact wrong moment. Rico wasn’t sure what the tall man dressed in slacks, a dress shirt, and a purple vest covered in silver stars was trying to make disappear. Whatever it was came complete with a bang and a flash of light.
Avery instantly froze, her eyes quickly growing wide in terror. She dropped to her knees and covered her head as she screamed. It was a tiny, high pitched peep. Rico could see her shake in fear. He didn’t need to ask what had happened. He knew.
He fell to his knees beside her and hugged her tight. She was stone still, refusing to respond, as she kept screaming. Slowly, she melted against him as her screams turned to sobs. He gently rocked her as she cried.
“What a loser.”
Rico’s head snapped up at the voice. His eyes slowly scanned the large crowd that had formed around them. A few were laughing. Several more were whispering to each other as they glared condescendingly at Avery’s still, huddled form. Most just stared silently at them.
Rico snarled at the gangly teenager who had made the remark. “That loser sacrificed her hearing fighting in Afghanistan for your freedom.” He shot one last fierce look around the crowd. “Think long and hard about that folks. Her loss gave you the right to shoot your mouths off and pass judgment. I believe it’s called freedom of speech.”
He watched as heads dropped in shame and the group dissipated. A couple gently touched her shoulder as they muttered their thanks. He kept her wrapped tight in his arms until her whimpers subsided then helped her to her feet. He picked up her teddy bear lying on the ground then shepherded her through the barricades back to the sidewalk.
Avery stopped suddenly, wiping the tears from her face. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.
Rico covered her hands with his to silence her. Then, he signed. “You did nothing to embarrass me. I’m proud of you and what you have done.”
Yes, but I looked like an idiot.
“You looked like someone who has been through hell and lived to tell the tale.”
She slugged him in the shoulder as a smile graced her lips. He grabbed his arm in mock complaint then, with a laugh, took her hand in his again.
Once they stepped into the house, he directed her to the couch and had her sit. He tucked the teddy bear beside her. Rest. I’ll start dinner.
He slipped into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Stacking one container on top of another, he balanced the pile and set them on the counter. He quickly shuffled them in the right order. He startled as he felt something brush his arm. Avery’s crystal blue eyes looked up at him. He smiled. “What happened to your new friend?”
He has a special spot on my bed. Can I help?
“I need a fry pan. Could you get me one please?”
Coming up. She pulled open the cabinet door next to her and kneeled so she could dig inside. Then, she stood with the pan in her hands. Rico kissed her cheek as he took it from her.
Scooping a little coconut oil from the jar, he melted it over the heat. Then he tossed in the raw chicken pieces, pushing them around.
Avery studied the various vegetables he had brought with him in plastic baggies. You eat pretty healthy, don’t you?
Rico froze for a moment. What if she asked why? He set the utensil down hesitantly to answer. “I do. You know, body is a temple stuff.”
She grinned at him. I am not objecting. I love how well you take care of your temple.
Rico felt his cheeks grow hot. It took a lot to get him to blush. At the moment, he must be as red as the tomato sitting next to the stove. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. The smile on her face told him she was certainly enjoying making him squirm a bit.
Avery hopped up on the counter to watch him cook. He loved having her there, munching on the vegetables in the baggies. More than once, their hands met as he reached in to toss some into the skillet with the chicken.
Once the stir-fry was finished, Rico scooped some into bowls. After he plunged a fork into one, he handed it to Avery. Try it.
She blew on it for a moment to cool it then popped a bite into her mouth. She groaned. It is so good.
I am glad you like it.
He helped her down from the counter, taking a moment to hold her close before they each took their bowls and headed for the couch. Rico watched Avery as she ate, elated with how much she was enjoying her meal. As she stabbed the last chunk of chicken and slipped it between her lips, she set her bowl down and signed. That was amazing. You are an incredible cook.
Rico set his bowl down also and sat back, stretching as he did so. Thank you.
Avery grinned. She took advantage of Rico’s stretch and curled up against his broad chest, wrapping her arms around him. He chuckled as he hugged her tight.
They held each other in silence for a long time before Avery signed. What would you like to watch?
I am willing to watch anything.
So, that is a vote for a romantic drama?
All right. Almost anything.
Avery giggled as she pulled free from his arms and stood. She rummaged around the television cabinet for a few moments then slipped a disk into the DVD player. A super hero film began to play on the screen. Avery pushed the buttons on the remote to start the subtitles. It reminded Rico of Max and Chloe’s wedding reception. This was his kind of a romantic movie.
She cuddled against him again, using his shoulder as a pillow. He gently rubbed her back. The late night preparing the meal and the long day at the 5k run got the better of him. He fought to keep his eyes open. As the fight scene began, he couldn’t do it any longer. The picture dimmed as he fell asleep.
»»•««
Avery’s heart thundered in her chest as she snapped awake. Her open mouth told her she had to be screaming. The back of her hand burned from something rough scratching against it. She frantically searched around. Her breathing slowed as she realized she was in her living room. The television flashed the DVD logo. She glanced at the cable box—two fourteen in the morning. She felt the couch shift beside her. She rubbed the back of her hand as she slowly turned around.
Rico massaged his jaw as he stared at her with concern. She felt her face flush hot. The light burn against her skin had been the stubble on his cheek. She had smacked him in her sleep.
He let go of his face. “Are you all right? Nightmare?”
Avery shrugged. Sort of. Memories I would rather forget.
Rico’s expression darkened. “Afghanistan. The bomb.”
She nodded. He tugged her into his arms and held her tight. She felt his forearms let her loose while his biceps still hugged her tight. He cradled her face in his hands, lifting her face until she was looking at him.
“I will never let anything happen to you. Ever. I promise you.”
She nodded as she studied him, slowly exploring his cheekbones, his slightly crooked nose, his sapphire blue eyes. No one had ever promised to protect her. She took care of herself. No one had ever cared about her that much before.
She smiled as she kissed him. His lips parted, his tongue tracing her teeth before tangling with hers. She felt the butterflies let loose in her belly as his fingers, the ones that told her everything about him, now gently stroked her flesh at the curve of her back just above the waistband of her jeans. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “It’s late. You need sleep. I need to get home.”
She gazed into his eyes before she signed
her response. Stay here tonight? Curl up on the couch with me. In case I have more nightmares.
He smiled warmly at her as he caressed her hair. “Of course, I will.”
Avery cuddled against his chest with a sigh. She could feel the thud of his heart against her cheek. She looked up and met his eyes.
“Tell me about it,” he said.
About what?
“What happened in Afghanistan.”
Her breath caught in her throat. She had never told anyone about the bombing, not even her family. It had torn her dad apart. She was Daddy’s only girl, and he couldn’t help her. But her father wasn’t Rico. Her family had never vowed to protect her. They had made decisions for her, as if she was no longer able to do so for herself. They had taken over as her caretakers when she didn’t need caretakers.
She needed someone to break down her walls, to hold her, to listen. Like Rico did.
She sighed as she picked up her cell and began to type. She could feel him read over her shoulder. I was a Military Police Officer at Camp Dwyer in the Helmand River Valley of the Garmsir District. Almost instantly, I became friends with Davey Ambrose. I think he was hoping for more at first, but I had no interest. I was more worried about my career. I wanted to be like my dad. Ambrose and I became best friends. We told each other everything. Having someone like that made living in a war torn country a little easier.
One morning, we loaded into the transport to travel to one of the checkpoints. Ambrose was going on about the Yankees. He had just caught a game. Even though I had told him many times I had no interest in baseball, he always bragged about them. And I always listened.
Her eyes burned. Out of nowhere, the truck filled with fire. I tried grabbing for Ambrose, but grazed his arm as I was thrown out of the vehicle. The explosion was the last thing I heard. I tried staying awake, tried to fight back, but everything went dark.
I woke up in the field hospital. I could see people talking to me, but couldn’t hear them. It was maddening. I found out I had Traumatic Brain injury. I also have damage to my middle ear structures and I also suffered other injuries. She pulled back her long, blonde curls to show the scaring on her neck. Then, she pulled her shirt off her shoulder to reveal another set of scars. Rico dipped his lips against her skin, kissing her wounds. She smiled softly as the butterflies let loose in her belly again.
She took a deep breath to steady herself before she continued typing on her phone. When I was finally able to communicate, I asked where Ambrose was. He was big. He was strong. And he was probably tearing the place apart looking for me.
The doctor wrote a message on his notepad telling me he was killed instantly by the IED. I didn’t believe the doctor. He just didn’t know Ambrose. But then, my commanding officer sat down and typed the same thing for me on his laptop. Then, he added that I was being sent to a military hospital in the States. I didn’t have time to mourn. I couldn’t. I swallowed my feelings. I thanked him for all he had done for me by typing it under his note on the laptop, and prepared to leave the hospital.
My parents met me at the hospital and immediately took over my life. They made my decisions for me. I no longer spoke for myself. They lined up every medical professional they could think of to research if my hearing loss could be reversed. It couldn’t. I could only take so much before I e-mailed Lindsay, moved here, and started my classes. That’s it. That’s how I got here.
Rico gazed down at her as he gently brushed her hair from her face. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
Nothing to be sorry for.
“You are an incredible woman, Avery. I don’t deserve you.”
She smiled. Probably not. But I love you anyway.
Avery snuggled close as she yawned. Rico tugged the blanket she had brought from her bedroom around them both then settled into the pillow she had gotten for him. She pressed her cheek to his chest again, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as she drifted back to sleep.
Chapter Six
The soft, warm rays of morning pierced through Avery’s senses. For a moment, she was confused. Where was her mattress? Then, she remembered, as her hands glided slowly over hard contours of a muscular chest. Rico had been her teddy bear last night. I could wake up like this every day, she thought.
She looked up into his sleepy, blue eyes. Good morning.
He smiled. “Good morning, baby. Sleep well?”
Oh yes, I did. And you?
“Absolutely. Never better.”
Good. Would you like breakfast?
“Sure.”
Avery stood and straightened her rumpled clothes. She then tugged Rico to his feet and led him by the hand to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and scanned inside. She turned to him. I can make eggs.
He pointed at a container of Greek yogurt. “I will take that if you don’t mind. I need to get to the gym.”
Avery reached in and grabbed two cartons of yogurt. She placed one in his hand and gave each of them a spoon. It sounds like the perfect breakfast.
Rico peeled the top off his and took a bite. “What do you want to do today? I can come get you after the gym.”
Avery smiled as she grabbed her cell. After a moment she handed it to him. I am going shopping and having dinner with Chloe. I probably should have told you that too, since she’s your friend. I don’t have many girlfriends. But then I spent all that time at the race with her. I can cancel.
His scowl quickly melted into a smile. “No. I want you to go. It just caught me off guard. I love it that you’ve become friends with Chloe. She is like my sister. We can do couple things with her and Max. Except for running 5k races. I’m done with that.”
Avery giggled. So, we are a couple?
Rico cocked an eyebrow at her. “I thought we were.”
Being a couple with Rico Choate. Yes. I think I can handle that. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He didn’t sign in answer. He pulled her in for a deep, long kiss.
Normally, Avery was able to tell when the front door opened. It stuck a little so the house would tremble. But she was so lost in Rico’s kiss that she never felt a thing other than the electric jolt that coursed through her body at his touch. Rico pulled away, his eyes wide like a deer in headlights. She turned slowly in his grasp to see what his gaze was locked on.
Lindsay filled the doorway to the kitchen. Avery couldn’t tell what he was shouting, but it angered Rico. He shouted back, his face twisting and his fists clenching at his side. She clapped her hands together and pointed at her brother to get his attention. You need to stop. Right now.
Avery… Even Lindsay’s hand motions were furious.
I said stop. She turned to Rico again. You better go. I am going to have another talk with my brother.
“Sure. That works for me.”
She pulled Rico to her for one last kiss, not caring if it angered her brother or not. She felt the tension in him dissipate a little. As they parted, she signed. Bye. I love you.
“I love you, too. Bye.” Rico grabbed the handles of the cloth grocery sack and retreated out the back door.
Avery spun at Lindsay. I cannot believe you!
Me? I come home to find you with… Lindsay waved his hand toward the back door. That!
Rico is not a that. He is my boyfriend.
What were you and your boyfriend doing in my house? Why was he here first thing in the morning? Were you sleeping together?
No! We fell asleep watching a movie then he stayed with me when I had a nightmare. Besides, what does it matter to you? I am a grown woman, if you remember. Are you going to hover over me like Mom and Dad did?
Lindsay recoiled at Avery’s words. You are my baby sister. I do not want some low life hurting you.
How can you say that? You do not even know Rico.
Do you, little sister?
Avery felt her blood boil as she stormed past Lindsay. He caught her by the arm and stared her in the eyes, shifting his body weight so she couldn’t get by. When he says he is going to the g
ym with his friends, is that where he really is? He spends a whole lot of time working out…more than most people I know. Can you really trust what he says?
She shoved past him and fled to her bedroom, locking the door to end the argument. Lindsay had no idea what he was talking about. Yet, a nagging voice in the back of her mind echoed his words. Rico went to the gym every day for hours. He was sometimes bruised and cut. For someone just taking classes at Hard Drive to stay fit, he was really beat up. Why would Max allow that to happen?
Not to mention that when they were out in public, people flocked to him. She couldn’t deny it. He was the sexiest man she had ever laid eyes on. But both men and women stopped him to talk. Some even asked for a picture with him, and he agreed. He acted like he could be a celebrity. He just brushed it off as a resemblance to someone famous. He seemed comfortable with strangers approaching him. She didn’t think he knew she noticed, but she did. And it was very peculiar.
Avery smiled as she changed her clothes. Things didn’t make sense, but she knew someone who could shed light on her questions. Chloe. And she wasn’t about to wait. She sent a quick text to Chloe, picked up her purse, and stormed out the door without saying a word to Lindsay. It was only a few minutes before Chloe pulled up in front of the house.
Avery slid into the passenger seat with a scowl. Chloe looked at her with concern. “Are you all right?”
Avery sighed. I got in a fight with my brother. It’s nothing. I am sorry I rushed you.
“No worries. Max had already headed for the gym.”
Good. I cannot wait to get our girls’ day started.
Chloe winked at her. “Then let’s get started.”
Chloe drove to the mall and parked. The two women giggled as they hurried inside to start shopping. This was just what Avery needed—girl time.
They hopped in and out of each store, looking for and trying on clothes, shoes, and jewelry. They chatted as they shopped. Avery loved talking with Chloe. She never had so much in common with another woman before. Before long, they made plans to run again after Avery got out of school.
Breaking the Silence (Hard Drive Book 2) Page 8
